Parade House in Trowbridge celebrates Dickensian Day 2024

Parade House's Dickensian-themed open day on Saturday, December 14, saw hundreds of visitors attend the Grade-I listed Georgian townhouse in Trowbridge.

The house, only recently restored by its current owners, was decorated for Christmas and featured characters from some of Charles Dickens's most famous novels such as A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations and David Copperfield.

The event included live music around the large Christmas tree, mulled wine and mince pies, and Dickensian movies played in the Parade House cinema.

Parade House was rescued from dereliction by its owners only three years ago, and has since won three prestigious awards including 'Best Event Venue in Wiltshire 2024'.

But Dickensian Day marked the final chance for the public to see inside the historic house as it is currently up for sale, with the owners due to leave at the start of 2025.

Sherlock Holmes, although not a Dickens character, was a much-loved new addition at the 2024 historic open day (Image: Trevor Porter) Hundreds attended Dickensian Day (Image: Trevor Porter)

Simon and Carey Tesler took over Parade House three years ago to prevent it from being converted into housing, and say they are "heartbroken" over the "sad" decision to sell the Grade-I listed building.

The Fore Street property is available for £950,000, as marketed by Christie & Co.

Mr Tesler told this paper the pair were “gutted” to leave Parade House, but emphasised the time was right as the couple, who are in their mid-60s and battled serious health issues at the beginning of the year, will focus on health and family.

He said: “We are heartbroken and absolutely gutted, this was the last thing we wanted to do.

Owners Simon and Carey Tesler outside the historic Grade I listed Parade House in Trowbridge (Image: Trevor Porter) “But when you get to retirement age you have to look after your health and that’s the most important thing.”

In a statement, the Teslers added: “Running Parade House is a massive endeavour, and it continues to demand a huge investment of physical and emotional energy from us.

“It is with very great sadness that we have taken the enormously difficult decision that we must step back from Parade House at the beginning of 2025 to concentrate on our own personal health and family matters.

“We hope to find a buyer who will love Parade House as much as we do, and who has the energy and expertise to take it to the next level as a luxurious events venue.”